UAE minister takes action on movie booking for wheelchair-bound after man’s tweet

The tweet by Hassan Ali and the minister's reply and immediate action went viral on social media.

"Did you know that wheelchair-bound people of determination in Dubai can't book a movie ticket online via smart apps or websites? As per rules, they need to appear in person, and that is too difficult to do. To have access to some cinemas in Dubai, they need kind of a 'military landing'."
This was just a tweet by Hassan Ali, who said he had been diagnosed with sleep paralysis.
Everything was normal until Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, replied to his tweet, saying that "I did communicate with all the said cinemas to specify some seats that can be booked by wheelchair-bound people online through their smart app, and they did agree."
Ali could not believe it, and thanked the minister for her immediate reaction and then talking to him in person on the phone to affirm the same.
"This issue has been a major concern for me for many years. Thanks to Almighty Allah, it has been addressed by the bodies concerned. "Thank you minister, for calling me on the phone, and the swift action to amend this position."
The tweet by Hassan Ali and the minister's reply and immediate action went viral on social media and has been hailed by many people including social media influencer Ahmed Amiri, who commented: "This is the UAE; all blessing of Allah be upon UAE."
Reiterating the same concerns of Hassan Ali, 28-year-old Indian resident Sharan Anil Budhrani told Khaleej Times that he had the same difficulty at Dubai Festival City. "They do not have proper access for people on wheelchairs in their parking."
He added that most of the malls have proper facilities but they "need to have disabled-friendly rest rooms so a person on wheelchair can have enough space to turn their wheelchairs".
Budhrani, who is an artist with the Mawaheb from Beautiful People studio at Al Fahidi area, Bur Dubai, pointed out that only very few cinemas have spaces dedicated for wheelchairs.
"However, most of the seats allocated to people of determination are too close to the screens, and not all the people on wheelchairs can sit on those seats easily."
Being unable to get up by himself, Budhrani prefers to sit in his electric wheelchair.
"I need to go to cinemas that have spaces for wheelchairs before I book tickets online."
No cinema app mentions about space for wheelchairs, he underlined.
"The same can be said about parking at Dragon Mart where there are no proper wheelchair access to footpaths," he said, urging security guards to be aware of the people with disabilities logo.
Pakistani resident Omair Muhammad, 22, marketing executive at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, told Khaleej Times that every cinema he had been was difficult to access because of the seating layout.
"We are always limited to access the seats by the edge." Another reason that makes online booking tough is that while booking, they can't see where the entrance or the stairs are, he added.
"So, I usually book online and go there personally before the movie to change my seat."
In a comment to the minister's action, Muhammad said he was thrilled to hear that they will look into the matter and take action. "We have the right to enjoy the cinema just like anyone else.
"I feel incredibly honoured and blessed that we have such a strong leadership pushing the mission and vision for the people of determination forward."
As the UAE is making major efforts to empower people of determination, authorities stress on the role of community members to achieve the much sought-after inclusive society.
Government initiatives for an inclusive society
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, had told the Federal National Council earlier that the UAE is rapidly advancing its support for people of determination as part of a wider effort to nurture a culture of tolerance and respect.
"The ministry is also helping determined people gain access to jobs or social security and offers financial support for those struggling to gain employment."
Buhumaid added that the UAE government has also pushed for the creation of a national disabled database, currently with over 19,000 registered users "to enable people of determination to access the full spectrum of dedicated services and exercise their rights".
Wafa Hamad bin Sulaiman, director of rehabilitation and care department of people of determination at the ministry, told Khaleej Times that most of the time people of determination are not limited by their disability.
"They are more limited by the negative attitudes and barriers around them that hinder their independence and participation in society."
She added that people of determination around the world continue to face various forms of discrimination and mistreatment despite the improved services dedicated to them over the past few decades.
"A disability prevents individuals from reaching their full potential. The role of every one of us is to recognise these disabilities and support them into becoming active participants in the society."
Bin Sulaiman said continuous social awareness has to be introduced in schools, workforce and centres to educate community members, who often find themselves stuck when dealing with the differently-abled.
"The ministry launched three strategic objectives to implement the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2018 in August, which ensures people of determination equal access to the labour market in various sectors."
"By law, government and private bodies are obligated to recognise the rights of people of determination in the workplace and offer them the support they need."
KT NANO EDIT
For fuller, healthier lives
The word deprivation should cease to exist for people of determined people allowing them to live fuller lives. Government interference will ensure that their lives are made easier and happier in every sphere, and entertainment should not be an exception. Though much more needs to be done in Dubai as far as facilities for the determined are concerned, the emirate is well on its way to meeting its goal of being the most disabled-friendly city by 2020.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 
 
 

• Dubai